What is an influenza vaccine?
Quick Answer
An influenza vaccine helps protect against seasonal flu caused by influenza viruses. It is updated regularly because flu viruses change over time.
The Full Story
Influenza vaccines are designed to reduce the risk of flu infection, hospitalization, and death. Because influenza viruses evolve rapidly, the vaccine composition is reviewed and updated for each season based on global surveillance data. Different flu vaccines exist, including inactivated shots, live attenuated nasal sprays, and recombinant options. Protection varies by season, age, and how well the vaccine matches circulating strains. Despite that variability, annual flu vaccination remains one of the most important public-health measures in respiratory medicine.
Key Facts
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